Underrated free agents the Rangers could pursue this summer

Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images

Every year a big free agent hits the market, and every year they have a direct link to the New York Rangers. If we’ve learned anything over the last few years, Rangers management isn’t afraid to make a big splash. This year seems a little different, the Rangers suffered a first round playoff exit at the hands of the eventual Stanley Cup Champions. Jeff Gorton understands that changes need to be made, but this is not the beginning of a rebuild.

The following free agents could bolster team depth, and light a fire under a Rangers team who desperately needs it.

• Riley Nash – A skilled center, who shows signs of brilliance. He would fit in on the 3rd or 4th line, and be an excellent replacement for Dominic Moore. He won’t wow you with his point totals, but there is no doubt that Nash is a reliable forward and the Rangers could use his spark in the bottom six. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

• Jared Cowen -Once a 1st round pick of the Ottawa Senators was just bought out by the Toronto Maple Leafs. Cowen would come extremely cheap and could provide depth on the NYR blueline. Although he may never reach the expectations of a 1st round pick, he’s still only 25 years old, it could be worth giving him a shot. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)

• Jamie McGinn – A gritty winger who can cause turnovers and put the puck in the net. It has been rumoured the Rangers were interested in trading for McGinn. Now that he’s a free agent, they can acquire his skills without giving up assets. He fits Vigneault’s system and he could bring a lot more out of Kevin Hayes, and Chris Kreider. At 27 years old he is hitting his prime. McGinn potted 22 goals last year and 39 points, he could provide an extra offensive push for the Rangers. The time is now to sign Jamie McGinn.  (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)

Jimmy Vesey – After deciding not to sign with Nashville, the Predators shipped his rights to the Buffulo Sabers. Veseys agent has said he’s not ruling out the Sabres, but he believes that his client will test free agency when he becomes eligible in August. If the Rangers can convince Vesey to come play in the Big Apple, he could numb the pain caused by all of the 1st rounders that were shipped away. Jimmy Vesey is a hot commodity and you can bet that every team (Accept for the Preds) will be trying to slide into his DM’s at the end of the summer. Vesey could make an impact immediately, and it could be a pretty sight to see Jimmy Vesey and Pavel Buchnevich on a line together for years to come.

They may not be your first picks of the free agent pile, but they are realistic options for the Rangers given the salary cap situation. Expect the Rangers to create some cap space and be extremely busy on July 1st.

Who do you think the Rangers will sign on July 1st? Let me know in the comment section!